Saturday, December 1, 2012

Just as I was getting into a routine with blogging (and liking it very much!) I was thrown off course by loosing my internet connection. Just over a month ago now, I moved into a bungalow in Barbrook with my good friend Daisy. We've been having a lovely time settling in - a proper post about the new gaff will follow! Sadly, this is the reason why I've been missing for so long. Hopefully posting will be back on track soon.

In the meanwhile, I have lots of little posts planned to catch you up on this past month's goings on. Lots has been happening!

In November I journeyed to London to meet my very good friend who was visiting from Toronto. Fun! We had a to-do list about a mile long, and got straight to exploring as soon as he arrived - at the Borough Market. Having been there once before I knew what I was in store for, and arrived hungry.

On my first visit, I was completely overwhelmed by all the food I wanted to buy, cook and eat. The selection of local venders is fantastic! This time, I tried to remain calm and think about the things that I could bring back to Barbrook with me (sadly, this meant that I could not buy the entire wheel of comté.) I could, however, indulge in the grilled cheese sandwich! The grilled cheese folks were also serving up roasted potatoes with this molten cheesy goop on top...I almost died.

It was lucky really that I couldn't stock up on breads, cakes, fresh game, fish, fruit and veg....I'm sure I don't need all that food!

We had a lovely time wandering around, taking in the delicious smells and checking out what everyone else was eating. It was great to see really specialized vendors as well - like the liquorice people (at least, that is what I know them as). They were offering real and fresh black liquorice from all around the world. This time around I bought some ginger liquorice and a malty, chewy ball thingamajig. I would include a photo to clarify that description, but I've eaten them all already!

Another highlight of the market visit was our visit to Monmouth coffee. I'd been here before as well and loved the selection of fair trade, single origin beans...though both times I've forgotten to buy beans for home!

I meant to get a photo of the butcher block table in the center of the room. It has communal bread, butter, jam and honey in the center. If you're lucky enough to get a seat, it's not a bad spot for a Saturday morning coffee I'd say. Oh yes, and the queue was around the building!

Our trip to the Borough Market was a success, we left with heavy bags and full tummies (not to mention a good caffeine rush!)